Etiology of Colitis-Complex Diarrhea in Growing Pigs: A Review

Abstract

Simple SummaryDiarrhea in growing pigs is a challenge for the pig industry since it is associated with reduced animal welfare, retarded growth, increased feed conversion ratio, and is often treated with antibiotics. One of the major causes of diarrhea in the growing period is large intestinal inflammation, often referred to as colitis. The exact causes of colitis-complex diarrhea are still to be understood, but dietary factors and/or pathogens have been recognized as the major factors in developing colitis-complex diarrhea. In this review, a thorough picture of pathogens, dietary factors, and a number of possible biomarkers related to colitis-complex diarrhea is presented.Colitis-complex diarrhea (CCD) in pigs can be defined as a type of diarrhea, which is associated with colonic inflammation and disrupted colonic gut barrier functionality in growing pigs (4–16 weeks post-weaning). It is a challenge for the pig industry as it is associated with the high use of antibiotics, reduced animal welfare, and depressed growth rate. The exact etiology of CCD is still unclear; however, pathogens including Brachyspira (B.) hyodysenteriae, B. pilosicoli, and swine whipworms such as Trichuris (T.) suis have been involved in specific colitis (SC). In the absence of specific pathogens, dietary factors, such as high levels of protein, pelleted feedstuffs, and lack of sufficient antioxidants, can result in non-specific colitis (NSC). On the other hand, supplement of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and polyphenols, sufficient supply of essential amino acids (e.g., threonine, cysteine, and proline), short-chain fatty acids (SCFA; especially butyrate), and resistant starch have shown to confer preventing/ameliorating effects on CCD. Different putative biomarkers associated with CCD have been presented. It is anticipated that a comprehensive picture of the possible causes of CCD and potential dietary interventions could cast light on the direction of future studies aimed at developing preventive and curative strategies against CCD in growing pigs.